2018: Year in ReviewPage 4

Commander’s Corner Page 2

New Year’s ResolutionsPage 9

Vol. 10, Issue 1 A Publication of the 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office January 2019

AFTERBURNER

This funded monthly newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the United States military services. Contents of this newsletter are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Govt., Dept. of Defense, Dept. of the Air Force, the National Guard Bureau, or the 144th Fighter Wing.

This newsletter may use materials supplied by the Armed Forces Press Service, the Air Force News Service and the Air Combat Command News Service.

The editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs office, 144th Fighter Wing. Submissions are subject to editing. Full names, rank, titles and contact phone number must accompany all submissions.

Maj. Jennifer Piggott Capt. Jason Sanchez Senior Master Sgt. Chris DrudgeChief of Public Affairs Public Affairs Officer Public Affairs Superintendent

Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot Photojournalist / Staff Writer / Editor Photojournalist / Staff Writer

Wing Commander Command Chief Col. Dan Kelly Chief Master Sgt. Clinton Dudley

Address:5323 E. McKinley Ave. Fresno, CA 93727-2199

559-454-5246 FAX: 559-453-5472

EMAIL: usaf.ca.144-fw.mbx.hq-public-affairs@mail.milWebsite:www.144fw.ang.af.mil/

Facebook:www.facebook.com/144thFighterWing

A crew chief with the 144th Fighter Wing marshals a F-15C Eagle assigned to the 144th Fighter Wing at Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 10 during the morning launch as part of the Clear Sky 2018 exercise. This exercise is an example of continued U.S. engagement promoting stability in the region. Clear Sky 18 ensures the U.S. and its partners meet NATO standards of interoperability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

Cover Photograph

Commander’s CommentsBy Col. Daniel Kelly

144th Fighter Wing Commander

Welcome back! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and got some much deserved down time with family and friends! Thank you for a phenomenal 2018! You are in high demand. You are part of something much greater than yourselves and 2018 showed what this Wing, what all of you are capable of. We have set new records and reached new heights in a host of areas. Just a few examples:

• First ever Medical Strike Team• First Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) Tent

City built by our Civil Engineering Squadron• First Border Mission Team led by our own Support

Group Commander, Col. Dave Johnston• First homegrown Weapons School Graduate (and

academic award winner), Maj. Drew “DNIF” Armey• Unit record - Highest manning in history of the unit• Director of Psychological Heath of the Year, Ms.

Stephanie Grant• Winner Commander’s Cup for Recruiting (best overall

recruiting team in the state)• 1 of only 2 projects in the entire Air National Guard to

be featured at Spark Tank• First base member to be selected for ANG Marathon

team, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Klundt.• First medical officer recruiter• First F-15Cs to land in Ukraine• Only ANG F-15C unit to participate in Neptune Hawk

• First time operating in Chemical Gear at Red Flag 18-2• Winner Outstanding Unit of the Year award for 2018• Led Red Flag Alaska with 35:1 kill ratio• Led Camp Fire response with tent city mayor• Led Command and Control response to fires with Wing

members, Col. Jeremiah “Weed” Cruz & Col. Victor “Siko” Sikora to JFHQ

• First maintenance career day• 75th Anniversary Jet – designed and painted by our

own Airmen• Unit Record - Public Affairs garnered more local and

international news coverage than ever before• Unit Record – over $3 million of base projects funded• Best in country – Command Post declared mission

ready in two Alert Force Evaluations• Winner – Tech. Sgt. Monesha Washington – Rookie

Recruiter & Retainer of the year• Winner – Master Sgt. Michael Willett – Rookie

Retention Manager of the year

(continued on pg. 3)

It was early in the week of Nov. 12 that the Civil Engineering Squadron was informed by Joint Force Headquarters that we would be sending a team to Chico, Calif. to build a base camp to support the firefighting operations occurring around Paradise. The information provided by JFHQ was limited. We were tasked to build a site to house approximately 200 Army and Air National Guard personnel.

This would eventually surge to more than 500 members. As information flowed to us from JFHQ we were provided photos of the site. The site was located adjacent to the Chico Airport and was basically a 30 acre asphalt area. We would have a portion for our camp along with other State Agencies. We established a team of 15 individuals of various trades. The team consisted of HVAC, Power Production, Structures, Engineering, Water Fuel Systems Maintenance, Fire Fighters, the CES commander Col. Walt Miller and me. We convoyed out Saturday morning. Near Chico, just past Gridley we noticed the smoke from the Paradise fire was getting thicker. As we passed through Chico you could see people walking around with dust

masks on. Smoke was present but not as thick as down near Gridley.

At the bed down site, we discovered that the CE unit from March had pushed late into Friday night and arrived earlier than scheduled. Their task was to move multiple assets from March ARB and an Army Guard unit out of Stockton to the Chico Airport. These assets would then be used at the airport or sent out to the Shelter Sites. Our task was the erection of all assets.

Once we in-processed at the site, we had to hit the ground running and begin erecting tents. Some teams were separated out and sent into the community to erect tents at shelter sites. Five of uswere sent to the East Ave Church. After we completed our task, we returned to what I started calling “FOB Chico.” I saw upon return that both ARNG and ANG members were working together to build the first block of tents. This task was completed at around 2 a.m. giving the team from Fresno a 23 hour work day.

This is one of many examples of work that occurred over the time we were deployed. There were CE members from the 129th, 144th, 163rd and countless other ARNG

units. We all had a common goal and melded seamlessly together.

Priorities shifted constantly. There were limitations on availability of assets and ability to move them from location to location, but working together, we were able to adapt, overcome and complete the mission. Many times I would give direction to an ARNG NCO. Their reply would all be the same, “to easy Chief, to easy.”

Eventually “FOB Chico” grew to 38 housing tents, porta-potties, shower shave facilities and a laundry facility. The latter being provided by OES. Four FORTS (Fold-out Rigid Temporary Shelter), one each owned by the 129th, 146th, 144th and 163rd. These were used for command and control functions.

In my tenure as a CA ANG member this was my first time working in a joint task force environment. The “Can Do” attitude of all members, Army and Air, at FOB Chico was exceptional. Numerous challenges were thrown at us. Each one was met and accomplished.

Chief ’s Corner

By Chief Master Sgt. Michael V. Scott144th Mission Support Group

We had our challenges in 2018, but it was nice to see you continue to work better across the base with each other. One of the saddest, but most proud moments of the year was to see how the base came together to honor one of our own, Lt. Col. Seth “Jethro” Nehring during his memorial. Thank you for all of your efforts.

Whew! And now for 2019. 2019 is already looking like a great year. We are trying out this new facility for our Jan Jam. Next month we will head to Southern California to compete with the other Wings in the State Service Member of the Year banquet. In March we head off to the Pacific for another Theater Security Package or TSP and begin our RCP 2 deployments. While many are deployed we will maintain our two alert sites, get ready for our Unit Effectiveness Inspection midpoint, and participate in other missions and Governor taskings.

In other exciting news, our Wing will be in the new Marvel movie and you will see our jets with our tail flashes in the movie, set to be released at the beginning of March. More to come on some exciting opportunities surrounding this release!

Our mission sets remain unchanged and our focus remains largely the same with an emphasis on readiness, innovation, and teamwork. I am looking forward to another great year at the 144th Fighter Wing!

(continued on pg. 3)

(Commander’s Comments continued from pg. 2)

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U.S. Airman watch as a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter jet lands for the first time on Ukrainian soil to participate in CLEAR SKY 2018, Oct. 6, 2018. The exercise promotes regional stability and security, while strengthening partner capabilities and fostering trust. ( U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

Director of the Air National Guard Lieutenant General L. Scott Riceand Command Chief of the Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant Ronald C. Anderson, visit Airmen at the Fresno Air National Guard Base Jan. 7, 2018 ( U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Russ Piggott and Capt. Christopher LaCroix are interviewed by Good Day Sacramento during the Capital Air Show, were the 75th Anniversary Jet was first unveiled to the public Sept. 22 , 2018 ( U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Jennifer Piggott)

Staff Sgt. Alberto Padilla, 144th Medical Group, repels down the side of a building during a Homeland Response Force patient extraction exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Jan. 29, 2018. (Courtesy photo by Tech. Sgt. Micaela Aguiar)

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Search and Rescue members participate in a simulated disaster scenario during exercise Sentinel Response in Sacramento, Calif., March 22, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

California National Guardsmen walk the line while conducting operations in support of CAL Fire at the Carr fire near Redding, Calif. (Courtesy photo by the California Military Department)

Col. Daniel Kelly, 144th Fighter Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Clinton Dudley, 144th Fighter Wing command chief congratulate Company Grade Officer of the Year winner Capt. Sean Rabeneau at the Airman of the Year Banquet, Nov. 4, 2018. Other winners included Airman 1st Class Kimberly Self, Airman of the Year, Tech Sgt. Moneshia Washington, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Master Sgt. Adam Batesole, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Master Sgt. Melinda Motta, First Sergeant of the Year, and Maj. Jennifer Piggott, Field Grade Officer of the Year. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

The 144th Fighter Wing’s Heritage jet flies over head during the Capitol Airshow in Sacramento Sept. 22, 2018. The jet pays homage to the 194th Fighter Squadron’s 75th Anniversary. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Col. Jeremiah Cruz)

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allowed the state of California and Ukraine to work closely together for 25 years. These partnerships help foster relationships and build trust, with an ultimate goal of helping increase readiness and training for both nations.

“The Ukrainians value the relationship and partnership with the U.S., and we are committed to helping them maintain their territorial sovereignty and their ability to be a free nation,” said Major Gen. Clay Garrison, California Air National Guard director, “This exercise is a big deal, and it has not always been easy, but getting it done says a lot about our Airmen. I am incredibly proud.”

The 144th Fighter Wing made history October 6, 2018 when F-15C Eagles landed in Ukraine for the first time.

Clear Sky 2018 was the first-ever joint multinational exercise hosted by Ukraine and sponsored by U.S. Forces in Europe.

The exercise primarily involves the U.S. Air Force and Ukrainian air force, but also includes seven other partner nations in a collective effort to bring Ukraine in line with NATO standards of interoperability.

The link that brings everything together for this exercise is U.S. European Command’s State Partnership Program, which has

Clear Sky 2018: Partnership with Ukraine By Maj. Jennifer Piggott

Pilots from the U.S. Air Force and Ukrainian air force greet each other during the opening ceremony for the Clear Sky 2018 exercise at Starokostiantyniv Air Base, Ukraine, Oct. 8, 2018. The exercise is a joint and multinational exercise that will involve approximately 950 personnel from nine nations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

Medical Provides Fire Aid in Joint Force MissionBy Senior Master Sgt. Chris Drudge

On Nov. 17, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jordan Darnauer, 144th Medical Group Detachment 1 commander, received a request for medical assistance for the Paradise fire response.

Within six hours, Darnauer had two ten-person medical strike teams ready to roll out to assist Joint Task Force 49 of the California National Guard.

The medical teams assisted in treating over 730 patients. That number is expected to rise as the mission continues over the next three to four weeks.

The 144th MDG Detachment is made up of 47 Airmen from emergency medical technicians and logistics personnel, to doctors and nurses.A member of the 144th Medical Group Detachment 1

assists a JTF 49 soldier with an injury. (Courtesy photo)

More than 150 Airmen and eight F-15 Eagles from the 144th Fighter Wing participated in Sentry Aloha 18-01 Jan. 10 - 24, 2018. Sentry Aloha is an ongoing series of fighter integration exercises, hosted by the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 154th Wing, involving multiple types of aircraft and services. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Chris Drudge)

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U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Cesar Gonzales, 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, described the maintenance group’s role in that mission. “These sorties matter to the pilots and these sorties matter to the maintainers. When we lose a line, everyone understands that we just lost an opportunity for a pilot to gain proficiency for him to go to war,” said Gonzalez. “That means a lot. It’s personal for us. We’re going to try to do whatever we can to make sure the pilots get that opportunity.”

Lt. Col. Russ Piggott, 194th Fighter Squadron and 144th FW pilot, praised the maintenance group for providing mission-capable jets.

Several F-15 Eagles and over 150 Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing participated in Red Flag Alaska 18-3 for four weeks during August and September along with military units from across the country and the world.

Red Flag Alaska is a regularly scheduled training exercise that provides pilots, air crews, maintainers, and support personnel necessary experience within a joint coalition tactical air combat environment.

One of the areas of focus for the training is providing pilots with additional combat experience so that they are able to sharpen their skills and more seamlessly operate in a joint coalition environment.

The maintenance team overcame many unexpected challenges of getting the planes into the air at the beginning of the exercise. “It was a little bit rough at first,” Tech. Sgt. Campos said. “We managed to push the sorties out and take care of business. The people have performed flawlessly and we knocked it out of the park.”

The 144th Logistical Readiness Squadron played a major role in making sure the supply chain for parts ran quickly and efficiently. “Any kind of supply assistance, whether it is from our supply kits or Nellis support center, we take care of that,” said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Winters, 144th LRS supply representative.

Six U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles and over 60 Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing participated in Red Flag 18-2 at Nellis AFB, Nevada March 5, 2018.

The Red Flag exercises are the Air Force’s premier air-to-air combat training exercises. Red Flag gives pilots the experience of multiple, intensive air combat sorties in the safety of a training environment.

A major part of Red Flag is integration and learning to work as a total force. “A big part of that is communication,” 1st Lt. Martin said. “Every piece is very important. The 144th FW is only a small part of the plan to get the mission done.”

Red Flag 18-2 at Nell is AFBBy Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot

Red Flag Alaska 2018-3By Capt. Jason Sanchez

An F-15 Eagle from the 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, Calif. prepares to taxi to the runway at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Aug. 14, 2018 as part of a Red Flag-Alaska training exercise. Red Flag-Alaska provides realistic training ina simulated combat environment for pilots, maintainers, and support personnel from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, as well as, our international partners. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Jason Sanchez)

Members of the 144th Maintenance Group observe an F-15C Eagle from the 144th Fighter Wing during its final preflight check at Red Flag 18-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 15, 2018. Red Flag missions are conducted at the Nevada Test and Training Range wit realistic scenarios. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot) 7www.144fw.ang.

“We went out to a rail yard and trained with local authorities from around the Central Valley,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Charles Greer, 144th Civil Engineer Squadron EOD technician. “One of the scenarios was that a suspect tossed a bag of pipe bombs into the cabin of the rail car. It was our job to remove it safely and disable the device.”

Scenarios such as these help open communications between the different agencies, which in turn increases readiness for the 144th EOD team to respond to situations beyond the Fresno Air National Guard Base.

FRESNO, Calif.— The 144th Fighter Wing Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit participated in a training exercise with the Department of Homeland Security and other local law enforcement agencies in Fresno, California, April 18 and 19, 2018.

Participants included members of the 144th Fighter Wing, the Fresno County Sheriff, the Fresno Police Department, the Clovis Police Department, and the Merced Police Department among other agencies from around Central California.

Homeland Security personnel set up a series of scenarios for the different agencies to work through together.

California based State and National Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces during the simulated radiological dispersal device detonation at the Sleep Train Arena,” said U.S. Air Force Captain Chance Pasley, 144th Medical Detachment HRF operational officer. “This exercise was invaluable to the relationship building between military and civilian forces during a mass casualty incident.

“It’s only through regular, realistic training alongside our partner agencies that we keep our skills sharp and response times low,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, Adjutant General for the California National Guard.

Members of the 144th Fighter Wing’s Homeland Response Force team joined other military HRF units and multiple civilian agencies from around California to participate in exercise

Sentinel Response at the Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California March 23, 2018. Sentinel Response is a full-scale exercise with training scenarios that involve a series of simulated terrorist attacks and natural disasters to improved emergency preparedness and security in the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento Areas.

“The 144th Medical Detachment deployed multiple members to be integrated into

Preparing for Emergencies at Sentinal ResponseBy Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn

EOD Trains with Local Law EnforcementBy Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot

U.S. Air Force Maj. Linda Hirata, 144th Medical Group nurse, participates in a medical scenario during exercise Sentinel Response in Sacramento, California, March 22, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Cory Lassard, 144th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordinance disposal technician, examines a simulated explosive device during a training scenario in Fresno, Calif. April 18, 2018. Department of Homeland Security personnel ran through various training senarios with EOD units throughout the San Joaquin Valley. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

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The American Psychological Association suggests some simple tips for setting realistic New Year’s resolutions: Start small Make resolutions that you think you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week at the gym instead of seven. If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt, instead of seeing your diet as a form of punishment. Change one behavior at a time Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time. Thus, replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a time. Talk about it Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as a workout class at your gym or a group of coworkers quitting smoking.

Realist ic New Year’s ResolutionsBy Dr. Stephanie Grant, Director of Psychological Health

Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating. Don’t beat yourself up Perfection is unattainable. Remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped the gym for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track. Ask for support Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by your resolution. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help. Mental health professionals are uniquely trained to understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies as to how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.

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Legal Legal Assistance is available on UTA weekends at the following times:

- Article 137 briefings held in the Chapel, Sat. at 3 p.m.

- Sun., 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., walk-ins are available for deploying service members

- Please visit our website: https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil/lass/lass.html to receive a ticket number to bring with you to your appointment

Jan-Jam January UTA 10 - 13

- Off base activities will be held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

- Parking available at Clovis Rodeo grounds

- Airmen in their seats by 7 a.m.

- Food Trucks avaiable for meal purchase

- Sustainment has 300 meals aviable for Airmen on RSD status

Celebration of Life for Lt. Col. Bob “Grinder” Hervatine - Friday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. in the DFAC 2nd Quarter Boot Camp - Applications due to Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan DeLuca NLT COB Saturday, Jan. 12.

2019 Fitness Challenge - 365/ 500/ 700 Mile Running Challenge Sign up with Master Sgt. Christopher Perez

- 12,000 Push Up and Sit Up Challenge Sign up with Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan DeLuca

Public Affairs Shared Image Drive - Images taken by Public Affairs are available on base through a shared drive at \\144fw-fs-v7\publicmedia.

Upcoming Events & Announcements

AFTERBURNER

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AFTERBURNERFederal Mission - The 144th Fighter Wing is to provide Air Superiority in support of worldwide joint operations as well as Air Defense of the United States. Additionally, the wing provides agile combat support, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to combatant commanders around the globe. The Wing also provides a variety of homeland defense capabilities to U.S. NORTHCOM.

State Mission - The 144th Fighter Wing provides a variety of Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) capabilities to the Governor of California. Primary contributions include Ready manpower, reconnaissance assets, response to chemical, biological and radiological attacks, security, medical, civil engineering and command and control.

1. BE READY TO DEPLOY AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE. All 144th Fighter Wing Airmen will be combat ready whenever the Combatant Commander calls or a deployment tasking is assigned.

2. BE READY TO PERFORM OUR STATE MISSION.

All Airmen must be ready when the Governor calls and needs the support of the 144th Fighter Wing.

3. CONTINUE ALERT OPERATIONS.

We have a 24/7/365 alert mission -- we must flawlessly continue to execute that mission.

Top 3 PrioritiesMission Statement

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Kelly, 144th Fighter Wing commander and Chief Master Sgt. Clinton Dudley, 144th Fighter Wing comand chief, participate in the Fresno Veteran’s Parade Nov. 11, 2018. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Chris Drudge)